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# Unit 1: Origins, Federalism, & State Governments ## 2.1: Origins of American Political Ideals The beginnings of the American system of government started in the mid-sixteenth century when explorers, traders, and settlers from different countries, including France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden,...

# Unit 1: Origins, Federalism, & State Governments ## 2.1: Origins of American Political Ideals The beginnings of the American system of government started in the mid-sixteenth century when explorers, traders, and settlers from different countries, including France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, etc., arrived in North America with the intent to explore and settle. * **Political System Development:** The English political system developed over centuries and included the concept of common law (unwritten law based on judgments). English constitutionalism, the idea that government leaders are subject to the law, also influenced the development of American ideals. * **Early Civilizations:** The roots of these political ideals can be traced back to ancient civilizations in Africa and Asia. * **Influence of Ideas:** These ideas stretched back through time and influenced the founding of the United States.